The Yvonne Chouteau School is the official school of Oklahoma City Ballet offering classes for students ages three to adult from beginner to advanced levels. Our students share a facility with the professional company, enriching each student’s experience by allowing them to observe those dancers in classes, rehearsals, and performances. Students are also offered opportunities to perform with the Oklahoma City Ballet in productions such as Devon Energy’s The Nutcracker.
Our ballet instructors embrace sound movement principles and incorporate the best of the French, Italian, and Russian training methods. Our ballet classes are accompanied by professional pianists and conducted in a supportive environment that fosters the development of proper technique as well as confidence, poise, coordination, and personal well-being.
The School is named to honor the memory of Yvonne Chouteau, who along with her husband Miguel Terekhov, was the first artistic director of Oklahoma City Ballet in 1963. Chouteau is one of the “Five Moons,” Native American prima ballerinas who rose to international acclaim during the 20th century. The Five Moons are honored in the Oklahoma State Capitol and include Yvonne Chouteau (Shawnee/Cherokee), Rosella Hightower (Choctaw), Moscelyne Larkin (Peoria/Eastern Shawnee), and sisters Maria Tallchief and Marjorie Tallchief (Osage).
CHILDREN AND TEEN CLASSES
CHILDREN'S DIVISION
Classes for children ages 3 - 8 that provide a sound technical foundation while fostering a love for movement. This Division includes Creative Movement 3-4 and Primary A, B, and C.
PREPARATORY DIVISION
Classes for students ages 8 - 14. This Division includes Primary D thru Level 3. The classical ballet class structure is introduced, including the usage of the French terminology when learning new steps. Preparation for pointe work is emphasized in Levels 2 - 3.
A placement class is required for Level 1 and above.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: EVENING
Classes for students ages 11 - 18. This Division includes Level 4 thru 6. Students are expected to attend classes regularly, train en pointe, and develop the level of discipline expected of professional dancers.
A placement class required for the Pre-Professional Division.
DAY PROGRAM
PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: DAY
This intensive program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a professional career in ballet. The Day Program (aged 11-19) is by audition or invitation only.
STUDIO COMPANY
PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: STUDIO COMPANY
Oklahoma City Ballet’s Studio Company is comprised of OKCB II and Trainee Program dancers. The Studio Company performs their own repertoire in and around the Oklahoma City Metro.
Acceptance is by audition/invitation only.
Susan E. Brackett Dance Center
With more than 28,000 square feet and six studios, learn more about the home of Oklahoma City Ballet and The Yvonne Chouteau School.
SCHOOL STAFF
ARTISTIC
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL AND STUDIO COMPANY
PRINCIPAL FACULTY / DIRECTOR OF MEN'S PROGRAMS
PRINCIPAL FACULTY
ADMINISTRATIVE
SCHOOL OPERATIONS MANAGER
EVENING PROGRAM PRINCIPAL
SARAH KLUMP
SCHOOL COORDINATOR
CHAYLEE ESTABROOK
ANNABELLE GOURLEY
BAILEY PORTELL
SCHOOL RECEPTIONISTS
FACULTY
Daniel Cooke
Madison Dominick
Adelya Gosmanova
Chloe Jenson
Carrie Kenneally
Sarah Klump
Liz Kraft
Marissa McCurtain
OLIVIER MUÑOZ
Melynda Phillips
Evelina Sushko
ACCOMPANISTS
Karen Bentley
Yury Erivanov
Miho Fisher
Carol Rimicci
Reginald Snoddy
Donald Tullius
SCHOOL MISSION
The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School's mission is to provide our students with quality, accessible dance training and to inspire a love for the art form. Classical ballet technique is the focus of our training, however we strive to curate a well-rounded curriculum that includes jazz technique, modern technique, character dance, and contemporary.
The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School aims to provide a nurturing, inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment for all students. Teaching methods are based on proper body alignment and muscle engagement to ensure the safe development of technique for each dancer and foster confidence, poise, discipline, and coordination. Whether the student's goal is to pursue a professional career in dance or enjoy the movement, the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School is committed to meeting students where they are.
SCHOOL POLICIES
A completed registration form and a paid non-refundable registration fee is required for each student.
Fees:
Children’s Division $25
Level 1 and above $75 (Includes one uniform leotard)
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School will present end-of-year performances in the Spring. This will give students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned, in addition to continuing their dance education with participation in a performance event. Other performance opportunities are offered with Oklahoma City Ballet. Eligible students will be notified of auditions for company productions such as The Nutcracker presented by Devon Energy.
UNIFORMS
The Yvonne Chouteau School is pleased to have Eleve Dancewear as the official dancewear of our Preparatory, Pre-Professional and Professional Divisions. One Eleve leotard is included with each $75 registration fee for students in Level 1 and above.
These beautifully constructed leotards/skirts/shirts can be purchased thru the Yvonne Chouteau School or thru the Eleve website: https://www.elevedancewear.com/.
The Children's Division can purchase their Eurotard leotards/shirts at: https://www.eurotard.com/v4/classes.aspx?studio=S-Ok9898 or locally at Showbiz Boutique at 4427 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.